Best things to do in Cairns Region

Cairns Unmissables

Cairns serves as the primary base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. This selection includes the heritage-listed Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, both traversing Barron Gorge National Park. In the city center, the 4,800-square-meter saltwater Lagoon offers year-round swimming. Local culture and nature are highlighted through the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and the historic Flecker Botanic Gardens, while Rusty's Markets and the Night Markets provide fresh tropical produce and local crafts.

Cairns Unmissables — Map

Photnart / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Kuranda Scenic Railway

The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a tourist railway service that operates along the heritage-listed Cairns-to-Kuranda railway line.

Yuuki Hirano / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is a 7.5-kilometre scenic tourist cableway running above the Barron Gorge National Park, in the Wet Tropics of…

Bahnfrend / CC BY-SA 4.0

C

Lagoon

Escape the Australian heat at one of Cairn's most beloved landmarks - the lagoon located on the Esplanade. Great fun for the entire family!

Toby Hudson / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Cairns Botanic Gardens

Flecker Botanic Gardens is a heritage-listed botanic garden at Collins Avenue, Edge Hill, Queensland, Australia.

User:John Hill / Public domain

E

Green Island

Green Island is a marine island and locality in the Cairns Region, Queensland, Australia.

F

Cairns Wildlife Dome

Situated on the top of local casino, the dome offers a wide variety of awesome shows featuring the local wildlife. A must-see for families.

G

Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park

Experience the traditional Tjapukai culture with its authentic dances, music and storytelling. Do not miss world's oldest living culture.

H

Barron River Rafting

The Barron River is located on the Atherton Tablelands inland from Cairns in North Queensland, Australia.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication… / Public domain

I

Reef Teach

A reef education centre located in the heart of Cairns offering a wide range of educational services to both locals and tourists.

J

Rusty's Markets

Established in 1975, this weekend market features over 180 stalls selling tropical fruits, vegetables, flowers, and local seafood from Friday through Sunday.

K

Night Markets

One of the most popular entertainment and shopping experiences in Cairns, the markets offer the visitors unique shopping and dining moments.

L

Cairns Night Markets

Located on the Esplanade, these markets open daily from 4:30 PM, housing over 70 retail outlets specializing in souvenirs, jewelry, and Australian-made goods.

M

Cairns Night Markets

An international food hall opening daily at 10:00 AM, featuring diverse cuisines including Chinese, Japanese, and Italian options.

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